Average
#2564 of 3,778 schools in FL
Chester Shell Elementary School
Elementary School · ALACHUA
21633 SE 65TH AVE, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Enrollment
323
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
323
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#2,564 of 3,778
In Hawthorne
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#36 of 54
ALACHUA
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Chester Shell Elementary School
Elementary School in Hawthorne · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hawthorne Middle/high School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Ochwilla Elementary School
4.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Chester Shell Elementary School
Chester Shell Elementary School is a public elementary school in Hawthorne, FL, part of ALACHUA. Chester Shell Elementary School serves approximately 323 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Chester Shell Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,564 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Chester Shell Elementary School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.3 · Average
- District avg 6.3
- FL avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
Chester Shell Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
64% of students at Chester Shell Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Chester Shell Elementary School — Students at Chester Shell Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 34 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.9/10.
How Chester Shell Elementary School Compares
See how Chester Shell Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
21633 SE 65TH AVE, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chester Shell Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY (rated 8.2/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby Keystone Heights), which scores notably higher. Another option is MELROSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Melrose), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ALACHUA VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (DISTRICT PROVIDED) (rated 7.2/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Gainesville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hawthorne, see our Hawthorne schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 32640 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,727
Median Home Value
$153,600
Median Rent
$959/mo
Population
10,780
College Educated
14.1%
Homeownership
84.3%
Avg Commute
34.2 min
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Median Age
46.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ANDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa, FL | 5.3 |
| BRIDGEPREP ACADEMY SOUTH Miami, FL | 5.3 |
| BROOKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 5.3 |
| CAROL CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami Gardens, FL | 5.3 |
| EUSTIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Eustis, FL | 5.3 |
| GROVE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Orange Park, FL | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chester Shell Elementary School
What grades does Chester Shell Elementary School serve?
Chester Shell Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Chester Shell Elementary School?
Chester Shell Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 323 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chester Shell Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Chester Shell Elementary School is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Chester Shell Elementary School rank in FL?
Chester Shell Elementary School ranks #2,564 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Chester Shell Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Chester Shell Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Chester Shell Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Chester Shell Elementary School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Chester Shell Elementary School a charter school?
No, Chester Shell Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Chester Shell Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Chester Shell Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Chester Shell Elementary School?
84.5% of students at Chester Shell Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 323
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Alachua County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 63.5%
- Phone
- (352) 481-1901
Resources & Links
District
ALACHUA- District Enrollment
- 28,749
- Schools in District
- 68
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,075
- District Rank
- #36 of 54
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